Florczyk is a teacher at Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Teaneck. She is also the founder and director of The Nigerian School Project, a non-profit educational organization that assists teachers and school children in Nigeria, West Africa.

"I became aware of the need and I felt I could help in some way, so I came back and created an organization, ‘The Nigerian School Project.’"

She makes an annual summertime visit and sometimes takes fellow teachers who write a curriculum and teach. She spends three weeks visiting the schools and libraries that receive books and materials purchased with the money she raises.

"Nigeria is a challenging place to live, work or travel. Oil rich, the country still falls desperately short of meeting the educational needs of the children," Florczyk said.

In 2006, funds raised by the project were used to build a library, and by 2008 it was filled with 50 boxes of books donated by American students. The books range from reference materials to encyclopedias, and classic literature to young adult fiction. In 2010, a U.S. Naval Carrier transported 200 boxes of books, which filled 12 Nigerian public school libraries.

Florczyk recalled the importance of growing up in Englewood in a house with more than 10,000 books. Her father was a book designer, teacher and photographer and her mother a librarian.

The Nigerian School Project has built a primary school and a middle school. A high school is currently being built. Each structure has six classrooms and block construction with toilets. There are approximately 300 kids per school.

"It’s big deal," Florczyk said "Our next step is to send them to college."

The heartwarming photography being shown includes "Tomarro girl" in traditional Nigerian dress photographed outside a school built on that island, a river community on the outskirts of Lagos. "Agunfoye girl" shows a child with traditional tribal marks on her face, photographed at a remote village where Florczyk built a school. "Ibadan girls" are dressed in traditional Nigerian cloth in a rural village. They performed a dance celebrating the building of a school library. Florczyk has built 12 school libraries. "Treti girl" at a primary school, and "Oregun boy" at a vocational school learning to work with wicker, are among the photos for sale, with small sizes available upon request.

Florczyk is using her photography to create an awareness of, as well as to celebrate, the remarkable students she has met along the way.

One-hunded percent of financial donations received go to the children.

The Stable Gallery is located at 259 N. Maple Ave. in Ridgewood. The exhibit is being shown through Dec. 31 and is open for viewing Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the Ridgewood Recreation Department office at 201-670-5560.